MBB Game 35 vs. Alabama, March 20 (Fri) 3:15 PM - NCAAT Round 1

[Dooku25]

Where can I find a replay of the game? Would love to watch it as I was in Tampa.

I DVR'd the game before leaving for Tampa. If you have CBSSports Network, they have been showing replays of the 1st and 2nd round games continuously. Right now they are showing Siena Duke. Unfortunately Fios is not showing a description in the guide other than "2026 Tournament Rebound" so nobody knows which games are going to be shown next tonight.

Full game could eventually appear on Youtube. For now I found a 12 minute highlight clip of the game below. It's better than nothing..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A78xdvc9VmI

[Dooku25]

including an entire section of HU diehards that stood all game and made noise- something you will never see at the Mack.

I’m glad they had the crowd support they deserved. The Selection Sunday watch party had a great turnout as well.

How many in Tampa came from the Long Island area? Was it most, and if so, where were they all season or in past good seasons?

Will they show up at The Mack next year?

Will they be willing to run along for the marathon from November through February or only want to swoop in late and run through the tape in March if Hofstra has more success later?

Do they realize they can play a role in "Recruit, Retain, Repeat" if they're committed to the program like the diehards here and that it's tougher to make that mantra a reality without their CONTINUED, rather than selective, support?

I would say most from Long Island, in Section 115 we had a bunch from the boards- myself, Cactus, Stuball, Polito among others.. Husid was there. Also Jojo's son made the trip and his friend with their kids who also sit in our row at Hofstra home games. Saw some other familiar faces as well.

I did talk to some other Hofstra folks after the game from NJ and even Atlanta.. They would have loved to be in our section because it was so loud but were unaware of getting tickets through the school. Still it was nice to talk to some out of state Hofstra fans, they were very knowledgeable about the team.

Hopefully we get a boost this year not only in donations but also season ticket accounts.

[cactus]

Stu asked me to post this - #41 is the review of the Alabama game.

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-baske ... -loss-hurt

[triplec2195]

Stu asked me to post this - #41 is the review of the Alabama game.

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-baske ... -loss-hurt

I like this really telling it the way it was not just looking at the final score and coming to the conclusion we got blown out. The final score wasn't indicative of how close this game was for the most part.

[Wags]

Stu asked me to post this - #41 is the review of the Alabama game.

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-baske ... -loss-hurt

I like this really telling it the way it was not just looking at the final score and coming to the conclusion we got blown out. The final score wasn't indicative of how close this game was for the most part.

Yeah, but wrong category for Hofstra and too low at 41.

What they gave them is appropriate in a sense:
Such a tease: This is for the seeds who made us do a double take at the scoreboard a few times before the expected conclusion eventually played out, usually in blowout fashion.


But this is even better and they deserved to be here:
So close, yet so far: The teams that were in it for a majority of the game, even if the final score didn't show it.


And they gave this one at #28 to Akron, which unlike Hofstra leading by 10, never led against Texas Tech, and which wound up losing by an almost identical score (91-71) on the same floor, the game before.

Although, instead of just a regular season mid-major poll (which is fine), it's nice to even see Hofstra mentioned this way in an NCAA tournament!

[Polito]

From a fanbase perspective, it was SUPER impressive, and frankly quite surprising the number of HU fans that were in that arena - our section was tremendous, but beyond that there were a lot of smaller groups scattered throughout. Couple that with a packed out room on campus and numerous watch parties throughout LI, and our fan situation is actually far less dire and much more filled with opportunity than we've thought.

This tells me that there is in fact a real fanbase out there that simply needs to be engaged with more effectively, and more frequently. It's there, it just hasn't been unified as well as it should. And also, as I and others have said till we're blue in the face, it should go without saying HU needs to go dancing more regularly. This cannot be stressed enough, and why I go bananas when we fail to capitalize when the opportunity is there.

ALL fans come out for winners, esp in NY where the choices are endless - numbers dip when it isn't 'worth it', and numbers will increase when fans see HU on the true national stage more often.

Now, wags point is fair on whether we will see that in regular season attendance numbers - we haven't really so much in the past, BUT not because they aren't there, it's moreso IMO that HU has not taken the extra time sensitive effort necessary to leverage those times of feasting. I think HU is more aware of this now, and seems to be taking some real steps to do so this time around.

And I also think this is OUR time as an 'unofficial' fan group to unify ourselves and our efforts even more as well. The dinner get together is a great step, and we can do a lot more. This is a truly pivotal point for HU and this mens hoops program, very excited for what we can all do together to help capture this energy and catapult if forward!

[Wags]

Now, wags point is fair on whether we will see that in regular season attendance numbers - we haven't really so much in the past, BUT not because they aren't there, it's moreso IMO that HU has not taken the extra time sensitive effort necessary to leverage those times of feasting. I think HU is more aware of this now, and seems to be taking some real steps to do so this time around.

Maybe try some of those past LIRR signs again and some billboards, maybe ads in Newsday, The Long island Press, The Queens Ledger, or online banner ads at Newsday.com, etc., flyers at a bunch of Long Island businesses, whatever... only now, with some new things they didn't have before but do have now (along with previous ones they did have), to lure people in, mentioning:

- The Reigning CAA champions, fresh off of last season's NCAA tournament trip.
- The reigning CAA Player of the Year Cruz Davis
- The reigning CAA Rookie of the Year, Long Island's own, Preston Edmead
- Led by Hempstead's own, Speedy Claxton, who has led Hofstra to the NCAA tournament as a star player and a head coach.

However they want to word it and with whatever pics and graphics, but with those types of main points, hitting on the NCAAT trip, the POY, the ROY, and the Long Island connections of Edmead and Speedy. That's a bunch of good stuff locally, conference-wise, and the biggest deal, nationally. And IF they were ever to crack the Top 25 at some point next year, add that too.

I would think those types of things may resonate with some casual area people who might see ads like that, and say, "Hmm, sounds like Hofstra Basketball is doing some good things over there, maybe I WILL go check some games out there this year."

In terms of accolades and tooting their own horn to bring new faces in, this is the best chance they've had in 25 years. I hope they won't waste it and will do everything they possibly can to take advantage of that this offseason.

[garyg]

And here is a request that I am making ,,, rid all future schedules of D2 and D3 opponents and only play D1 opponents

[Polito]

I do believe HU has GOT to get more comfortable with real marketing beyond social media. That's a great tool and very cost effective, but it simply can't be the only thing we do. Poser needs to loosen the purse strings and get this university and program a real marketing strategy. X alone just isn't going to cut it. Now is not the time to be squeezing the Eagle. The fact that LI'ers don't know this program is D1 should be enough to wake the leadership up. It's time to mature beyond just having Gorchov's X posts as our only outlet to the community fanbase. That's great, but not enough.

HU should absolutely DOMINATE local advertising - DOMINATE.

[Wags]

And here is a request that I am making ,,, rid all future schedules of D2 and D3 opponents and only play D1 opponents

Even if it's local MAAC teams like Manhattan, Rider, Canisius, Sacred Heart, Fairfield, Marist, Siena, or even if it's fairly close America East teams like Albany, UMBC, NJIT, Bryant, Binghamton, or some Ivy League teams (especially when they've already played many of those schools, some several times each), there are PLENTY of choices to fill out the schedule without having to schedule D-II or D-III. I know some of those matchups are because of close ties and relationships, but if you want to do that, do it as an exhibition, not in games that count. The NCAA has to stop allowing that for any school. There are different divisions for a reason. Every school in every division should only play within its own division.

While we're at it, it also makes no sense that they still ban a transition school from the NCAA tournament for three years, even if they win their conference tournament in D-I. You're banned from that yet it's okay to play against other divisions? Change both of those. Only play within your division and if you're in D-I, and you win a conference tourney, you qualify that year for the NCAAT (no more transition bans). Would be so much better for the sport.

[HUSID74]

Now, wags point is fair on whether we will see that in regular season attendance numbers - we haven't really so much in the past, BUT not because they aren't there, it's moreso IMO that HU has not taken the extra time sensitive effort necessary to leverage those times of feasting. I think HU is more aware of this now, and seems to be taking some real steps to do so this time around.

Maybe try some of those past LIRR signs again and some billboards, maybe ads in Newsday, The Long island Press, The Queens Ledger, or online banner ads at Newsday.com, etc., flyers at a bunch of Long Island businesses, whatever... only now, with some new things they didn't have before but do have now (along with previous ones they did have), to lure people in, mentioning:

- The Reigning CAA champions, fresh off of last season's NCAA tournament trip.
- The reigning CAA Player of the Year Cruz Davis
- The reigning CAA Rookie of the Year, Long Island's own, Preston Edmead
- Led by Hempstead's own, Speedy Claxton, who has led Hofstra to the NCAA tournament as a star player and a head coach.

However they want to word it and with whatever pics and graphics, but with those types of main points, hitting on the NCAAT trip, the POY, the ROY, and the Long Island connections of Edmead and Speedy. That's a bunch of good stuff locally, conference-wise, and the biggest deal, nationally. And IF they were ever to crack the Top 25 at some point next year, add that too.

I would think those types of things may resonate with some casual area people who might see ads like that, and say, "Hmm, sounds like Hofstra Basketball is doing some good things over there, maybe I WILL go check some games out there this year."

In terms of accolades and tooting their own horn to bring new faces in, this is the best chance they've had in 25 years. I hope they won't waste it and will do everything they possibly can to take advantage of that this offseason.

Wags, funny you should suggest this stuff as that was exactly the stuff we were doing for Hofstra back in the Pecora days and even with Cassera and it worked. I felt the Newsday ads were particularly effective as we were reaching out beyond our typical fan base. Now most of our effortsare from data collected from ticket purchasers.

[Wags]

Now, wags point is fair on whether we will see that in regular season attendance numbers - we haven't really so much in the past, BUT not because they aren't there, it's moreso IMO that HU has not taken the extra time sensitive effort necessary to leverage those times of feasting. I think HU is more aware of this now, and seems to be taking some real steps to do so this time around.

Maybe try some of those past LIRR signs again and some billboards, maybe ads in Newsday, The Long island Press, The Queens Ledger, or online banner ads at Newsday.com, etc., flyers at a bunch of Long Island businesses, whatever... only now, with some new things they didn't have before but do have now (along with previous ones they did have), to lure people in, mentioning:

- The Reigning CAA champions, fresh off of last season's NCAA tournament trip.
- The reigning CAA Player of the Year Cruz Davis
- The reigning CAA Rookie of the Year, Long Island's own, Preston Edmead
- Led by Hempstead's own, Speedy Claxton, who has led Hofstra to the NCAA tournament as a star player and a head coach.

However they want to word it and with whatever pics and graphics, but with those types of main points, hitting on the NCAAT trip, the POY, the ROY, and the Long Island connections of Edmead and Speedy. That's a bunch of good stuff locally, conference-wise, and the biggest deal, nationally. And IF they were ever to crack the Top 25 at some point next year, add that too.

I would think those types of things may resonate with some casual area people who might see ads like that, and say, "Hmm, sounds like Hofstra Basketball is doing some good things over there, maybe I WILL go check some games out there this year."

In terms of accolades and tooting their own horn to bring new faces in, this is the best chance they've had in 25 years. I hope they won't waste it and will do everything they possibly can to take advantage of that this offseason.

Wags, funny you should suggest this stuff as that was exactly the stuff we were doing for Hofstra back in the Pecora days and even with Cassera and it worked. I felt the Newsday ads were particularly effective as we were reaching out beyond our typical fan base. Now most of our effortsare from data collected from ticket purchasers.

Yeah, that's why I was saying it again now. I remember the LIRR signs and Newsday ads back then. I wasn't sure how effective they were back then but thanks for confirming. They should do that again and maybe some of the other ones I said, and any others, I didn't mention if they're helpful. Maybe we collectively need to keep the ideas coming and funnel them up to the right places.

But the bottom line is that now through next season is the time to make a serious effort with expanding the fanbase. Since 2001, I can't think of a better offseason they've ever had than the one coming up to do that.

[HU95]

Around the same time, there were the Coach Gardi and Mary Beth Cary (Dean of Admissions) commercials on WFAN. People could call in and get free tickets to that week's football game. Again, don't know how effective, but, it's exposure.

[Jojogunne]

Wow -- Mary Beth Cary. That name goes back a few years.

[UncleVegas]

"Hi Im Mary Beth Carey"

Jay Wright used to do A LOT of campus work every season to fill Pavilion and then Hofstra Arena. He would constantly blast voicemails to every student upbeat excited encouraging and reminding everyone to come out and support the team. He would have nets set up in the courtyard and have events like free throw or trick shot competitions. Would show face on campus events if he wasn't on the road.....

I know times are different now and kids respond to things differently but Speedy was around when Jay was doing that. In today's world I guess its more effective to have social media accounts like tik tok and spam students that way somehow. Whatever it is or was Jay made the students feel like the basketball games and events were special and for the students and you were missing out of you didn't go. Hofstra had so many amazing coaches back then but I dont remember any of them going to quite those lengths to get thir buildings filled. And despite many of those teams being nearly as good or better... they didn't draw like mens basketball did.

Thats my long winded way of saying if you want a hofstra building filled its got to be mainly students and the ones that live on campus. You cant count on alums and neighbors to pack stands

[Wags]

Ha, I remember the Mary Beth Carey ads too! Haven't heard that mentioned in a LONG time.

Drawing students is the ideal, but that doesn't seem very reliable with the way the Lion's Den has gone in recent years. They really have to bring in the casual local area fans.

Anyway, regarding the billboards I mentioned above, if St. John's can do this in CT, surely Hofstra can on Long Island:
https://x.com/ChrisAntonucci/status/2037250421761175959

[HUSID74]

We actually did a billboard in 2009 on the Long Island Expressway! Tom Pecora and his buddies ponied up the money and I had a friend at CBS Outdoor who gave us a GREAT deal. Billboard featured Pecora and Charles Jenkins.
It kind of fell on deaf ears when STuie pulled the plug on football early in the basketball season.
I'll try and find a photo of the billboard and post...location was the best on the LIE, intersection of Woodhaven Blvd...smack in the middle of St. John's territory!